Do you want to tackle prejudice and ignorance around issues of harmful sexual behaviour and learning disabilities and autism in our society? You can break the cycle of abuse and reduce the risk of sexual offences in your community by supporting an individual with a learning disability and/or autism who has displayed sexually harmful behaviour.

Building on the pioneering work of Circles UK, Respond offers Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) for young people & adults with learning disabilities who have harmful sexual behaviour or have committed sexual offences.

A COSA is a group of 4-5 volunteers from the local community who meet regularly with the person with the sexually harmful behaviour (called a “Core Member”). The COSA provides a supportive social network and helps the Core Member to build a safe, positive and purposeful life which does not put himself or others at risk.

Can you spare one evening a week (meetings usually last for an hour) for the next 18 months ? Are you over 21, empathetic and with good communication skills? We need people from all walks of life. As most of the Core Members are male, we particularly welcome male volunteers.

Full training, support and supervision provided.

Want to learn more about this innovative and rewarding project ? Contact Lorenzo at Respond on Lorenzo@respond.org.uk or call 0207 874 5485.

'Being a COSA volunteer at Respond was one the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in community safety and looking for a way to prevent sexual violence.' - Former Volunteer

Volunteers wanted for our reception desk

We are looking for a volunteer to help out on our reception desk for one or two days a week, preferably on a Tuesday or Thursday.

If you like meeting people and would like to work for our worthwhile organisation, then please get in touch with helen.mcgowan@respond.org.uk where we can discuss the role further.